"So long as men can breathe or eyes can see/So long lives this, and this gives life to thee." ~ Shakespeare, "Sonnet 18"

Lights. Music. Makeup. Costumes. Smiles. Tears. Anxiety. Pride. Laughter. Joy. Love. Expression.

Performing is sore cheeks from big expressions. Performing is tired legs from dancing nonstop for days on end. Performing is crippling anxiety smacking you in the face two seconds before you enter the stage. Performing is a sore throat and projecting anyway simply because you enjoy that particular song.

Performing is running offstage after curtain call and continuing to yell and jump and dance just because you are overwhelmed by all the people you are with and all the magic you just created for the audience. Performing is crying in the paint closet because someone spilled makeup on your costume. Performing is screaming at someone in the dressing room because they took your hairbrush and you have to be onstage for the next scene. Performing is going to "places" with a gummy bear in your mouth because troupe traditions MUST be maintained. Performing is rushing to paint a few more bricks on the set twenty minutes before the curtain opens.

Performing is making eye contact with your mom in the audience and trying not to break character. Performing is struggling to get rid of the feedback before your director runs up to the booth and freaks out. Performing is remembering all the words to the show you did two years ago, and randomly bursting into song in the middle of the hallway. Performing is greeting the audience as they exit the house wiping tears from their eyes or laughing uncontrollably.

Performing is trying to get the actors to shut up for warmups. Performing is nervously pacing backstage trying to remember your lines. Performing is holding hands with your cast praying before the show opens. Performing is being shushed backstage. Performing is crashing into bed that night after leaving every ounce of energy on the stage.Performing is failing a test because you had a show the night before.

Performing is bringing people into worlds they've never seen before for an hour or two to help them forget how difficult life can be. Performing is hugging little kids after they stood up and danced with you in the audience. Performing is hearing a little boy say, "When I grow up, this is what I want to do." Performing is a roller coaster. Performing is being loved and accepted in the good times, the bad times, the stressful times, and the chaotic times.

Performing is showing the world what can happen when you join together and create something that you love with your whole heart, with the people that you wouldn't trade for anything.